Words by Cooper Kirkpatrick | Images by Ryan McGill
Courtney Walker has been the lead paralegal at Friedman Law Firm in Birmingham, Alabama, for seven years, specializing in cases related to Social Security disability, Veterans Affairs disability, railroad disability, and other related areas.
For Courtney and the entire firm, the mission is clear: to act as their clients’ voice and provide a helping hand to those struggling to receive the benefits to which they are entitled from government agencies.
Courtney’s journey to her current role is both unexpected and inspiring. After graduating from Walker High School in 2008, she attended the University of North Alabama, earning a degree in exercise science in 2012. She soon landed her dream job in the cardiac rehabilitation department at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen specialty healthcare facility in Birmingham.
However, her life took a devastating turn when her mother passed away unexpectedly. The loss left Courtney reeling.
“I didn’t know what life looked like,” she says. “I felt like the job I was in was very much a dream my mother and I shared.”
Grieving and unsure of her next steps, Courtney quit her job. During this challenging period, an acquaintance contacted her about a job opportunity at Friedman Law Firm.
Though uncertain, Courtney submitted her résumé and joined the firm, quickly finding fulfillment in her new role.
While living in Birmingham, Courtney met her now-husband, Dusty, and the couple eventually moved back to Jasper, where they now raise their two children, Mac and Kolbie Bec.
Though she briefly left the firm during the move, she returned and has been a steadfast team member ever since.
Over the years, Courtney has been inspired by the dedication of the firm’s leaders, Doug and Jessica Friedman.
“They have been through every major life event in my life and have supported me along the way,” she says.
For Courtney, the work is deeply personal. She values her clients and their struggles, refusing to see them as just numbers in a spreadsheet. Her passion is driven by her clients’ often overwhelming challenges, particularly when dealing with government agencies.
“They’re dealing with the government here—it’s not easy, and it’s not fun. Especially when you’re really sick,” she says.
The work can be emotionally draining, as many clients are seriously ill or injured, and some don’t live to see the resolution of their cases.
Despite these hardships, Courtney remains motivated by the support she receives from her colleagues and her genuine compassion for those she serves. WL
